Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 Application: A Global Leadership Program for Young Changemakers

Application Deadline: November 11, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows program, a year-long leadership fellowship for young social innovators around the world. The program will select 15 to 20 Fellows from a global pool of applicants.

The fellowship does not fund projects. Instead, it pairs a structured curriculum with one-on-one coaching and a worldwide community of peers. Its focus is the inner growth of the leader as much as the impact of the project.

For young Africans leading community initiatives in health, education, climate or human rights, this is a chance to deepen your leadership while joining an international network. Past Fellows from Kenya and Nigeria show that African changemakers are already shaping the program.

About the Dalai Lama Fellows Program

Dalai Lama Fellows is run by the University of Colorado Boulder’s Renee Crown Wellness Institute and the University of Virginia’s Contemplative Sciences Center. It supports young people committed to personal growth in service of a better world.

The program follows a “Head, Heart, Hands” approach to leadership. Its curriculum builds three core competencies:

• Connections to Self: self-awareness, emotional intelligence and resilience
• Connections to Others: compassionate relationships, even across differences
• Connections to Ecosystems: the ability to navigate complex, interconnected systems

A Non-Sectarian Program

You do not need to be Buddhist or interested in Buddhism. The program is inclusive and draws on many wisdom traditions. Fellows are also encouraged to connect with practices from their own cultures.

Benefits of the Fellowship

• Year-long curriculum: Access an online learning platform with readings and reflection exercises.
• One-on-one coaching: Receive monthly coaching calls from a program coach.
• Group learning: Join monthly full-group calls and quarterly small-group calls.
• Contemplative practice: Build a daily practice to strengthen your leadership.
• Global community: Connect with peers worldwide and join the LifeLong Fellows network after the program.
• Leadership assemblies: Take part in opening and closing Contemplative Leadership Assemblies.
• Flexible structure: Continue your studies or work while participating.

Please note that the program does not provide project funding. Your coach can guide you toward other funding sources.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must show that you:

• Are 20 to 36 years old as of April 1, 2027
• Are fluent in written and spoken English
• Have an ongoing social change project, or a well-articulated plan to launch one within the first six months of the fellowship
• Know your community and the issue well, ideally with at least one year of experience there (a minimum of six months is required)
• Are interested in contemplative practices
• Can commit about 12 hours per month to the program, not counting project work
• Can attend the virtual Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2027

You do not need to be a student, and you do not need to be the founder of your project. Projects can be full-time work or delivered entirely online. Teams cannot be selected together, so each person applies individually.

Application Process and Key Dates

The application has five parts:

1. Applicant background and overview
2. Short essay questions
3. Video submission
4. Resume or CV
5. Letter of recommendation

Apply here: Visit the official Dalai Lama Fellows website and select “Apply Here” on the 2027 Fellowship Application page. If you applied last year, log in with your existing credentials.

Key dates:

• October 1, 2026: Applications open
• October 16 and October 28, 2026: Live info sessions with Q&A (16:00-17:00 UTC on October 28; 13:30-14:30 UTC on October 16)
• October 28, 2026: Last day to request an introduction to a past Fellow
• November 11, 2026: Application deadline, 22:00 UTC
• January 2027: Finalist interviews
• February 2027: Fellows selected and notified
• April 2027: Fellowship year begins
• March 2028: Fellowship year ends

For questions, email dalailamafellows@virginia.edu.

Why You Should Apply: Tips for a Strong Application

Selectors look for alignment between how you want to grow and what the program offers. These tips can help:

1. Show genuine intention. Explain what you want to learn about yourself, not only about your project.
2. Prove community knowledge. Back your issue with research and real experience on the ground.
3. Prefer an active project. Ongoing projects are favoured, though a concrete plan can succeed.
4. Be honest in the video. Speak naturally about your motivation and values.
5. Choose your recommender carefully. Pick someone who has seen your work with the community.
6. Attend an info session. It helps you understand the program and ask questions.
7. Check your time. Make sure you can realistically give 12 hours a month.

Conclusion

The 2027 Dalai Lama Fellows program rewards young leaders who want to grow as people while serving their communities. With the deadline on November 11, 2026, start preparing your essays, video and recommendation now.

Don’t leave it to the last minute.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE